WHIPLASH

Whiplash is a common injury that can happen to anyone, often caused by car accidents or sudden impacts. If you think you might have whiplash, knowing the symptoms, treatment options, and recovery process can help you heal faster and avoid long-term problems.

Whiplash refers to an injury to the neck that occurs when it moves back and forth rapidly, like the cracking of a whip. This sudden motion can stretch the muscles and ligaments that support your neck. The injury is most often caused by rear-end car accidents but can also result from sports injuries, falls, or physical trauma.

Whiplash symptoms may not show up right away but could progressively develop over the course of hours or even days. The most common symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Reduced range of motion
• Shoulder or back pain
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in your arms

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after an injury, it’s important to see a healthcare professional (Physio or GP) for evaluation.

When your neck is suddenly jolted, the force can cause damage to the soft tissues, like muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In most cases, the injury is mild, but if left untreated, it can lead to chronic neck pain and reduced mobility.

Recovery time can vary depending on how severe your injury is. Mild cases Typically heal in a few days to a couple of weeks. Early physiotherapy treatment and proper care can shorten recovery time and prevent complications.

Other conditions may mimic whiplash symptoms, which is why it’s important to have your injury assessed by a healthcare professional. Conditions such as:

• Cervical disc injuries
• Shoulder or upper back injuries

A doctor or physiotherapist can help determine the exact cause of your pain.

Most people will recover from whiplash in just a few weeks. There are several things you can do to assist in your recovery:

• Keep up with gentle activity to avoid stiffness
• Seek advice from your physio in regard to appropriate neck exercises
• Maintain good posture

Your Physiotherapist will assess the severity of your symptoms including the Whiplash Assessment Questionnaire (click HERE to complete the questionnaire). Your Physio can:

• Give you advice on what activities to continue with and what to avoid in the short term
• Provide gentle hands-on treatment to reduce muscle tension
• Demonstrate suitable neck exercises to improve range of motion and restore neck strength
• Teach you about how to best maintain an optimal posture while you recover.
• If you are having trouble with pain and stress related to your Whiplash injury, your Physiotherapist might recommend some stress management strategies. The evidence-based Whiplash Navigator Stress Management Modules can be accessed HERE.

To book an appointment with one of our experience Physio call us on 9889 3903 or book online.

For more information on Whiplash, The Whiplash navigator website provides an abundance of information to help and support you through your journey to recovery.

Find the answers to the following questions:

• What to expect after a vehicle crash
• How long will it take to recover?
• When to seek professional help?
• What is the role of an insurance case manager?